Great for tourist industry. Too bad Microsoft doesn't have any plants or operations here. I would love to see that type of industry take hold in the New Orleans area. What are we as a city doing to attract this kind of industry to the city?

Everyone should go read "bayoustjohn"'s post. Like he said more park space in that area is just putting more gutter punks on the street instead of putting them to work. New Orleans' love affair with tourists is crippling the city. Where are the jobs?

I like the idea of trying to attract industry and jobs to New Orleans. That is very encouraging. Maybe I'm just not a history buff, but I'd be willing to bet most tourists could care less about an old mint. I've lived here for quite a while and all I have ever done is walk by it. Never ever considered going in there. Also, everyone is worried about the French Market. All they sell there is garbage in my opinion. There are a couple of vendors that have some cool stuff but most of it is junk. Its a flea market! Have you tried to buy produce there lately? Good luck. So I guess what i'm getting at is if I had to choose between disturbing the mint and hearing some 18 wheelers from the market to bring hundreds of jobs to New Orleans.......I think the choice is simple.